These materials are the intellectual property of Lotus Mohammad and are for personal use only. Any reproduction,
distribution, or sharing without explicit written permission is strictly prohibited.
Detailed 16 marker plans for Psychopathology (Paper 1)
Describe and evaluate two definitions of abnormality. (16)
AO1
P- One definition of abnormality is statistical infrequency.
E- This defines abnormality when a behaviour is very rare and not often seen among
populations, an example of this is IQ scores
om
E- It is usually displayed on a bell curve graph, with abnormal behaviour on either far end of the
curve, toward the last standard deviations.
L- Thus, according to this definition, abnormality is based on rare, uncommon behaviour
l.c
AO1
P- Another definition of abnormality is deviation from ideal mental health.
ai
E- Jahoda 1958 created a criteria for assessing mental health, this includes autonomy,
environmental mastery, and resistance to stress among others.
E- This means that if one does not meet the criteria for ideal mental health, they are classed as
gm
abnormal and likely will get a diagnosis as they deviate from norms
L- Therefore, this suggests abnormality has to do with one’s mental wellbeing.
@
P- One weakness of statistical infrequency is that it fails to consider the desirability of certain
uncommon traits.
E- Some rare behaviours are not necessarily abnormal, but may instead be positive or
72
desirable, such as exceptionally high intelligence.
E- This means statistical infrequency could incorrectly classify rare but beneficial behaviours as
abnormal, potentially leading to misleading or inappropriate diagnoses.
ct
L- Therefore, this definition is reductionist, as it does not consider the context or desirability of
behaviours, which limits its validity in identifying abnormality.
so
P- However, a strength of statistical infrequency is that it is quantifiable.
E- Because it relies on numerical data and statistical analysis, behaviours can be measured
tu
and compared objectively.
E- This allows researchers and clinicians to analyse patterns, interpret results, and make
lo
evidence-based decisions about abnormality.
L- Therefore, this definition’s validity is supported by its measurable and objective nature,
making it a convenient and reliable method for identifying certain types of abnormal behaviour.
P- Moreover, one weakness of deviation from ideal mental health is that it puts pressure on
individuals.
E- Jahoda’s criteria, while conceptually thorough, set standards that are often unrealistic and
difficult for most people to meet completely.
E- This can lead to incorrect classifications, as failing to meet all criteria does not necessarily
,
These materials are the intellectual property of Lotus Mohammad and are for personal use only. Any reproduction,
distribution, or sharing without explicit written permission is strictly prohibited.
indicate abnormality, meaning individuals may be labelled abnormal unfairly.
L- Therefore, this definition lacks validity, as it does not accurately reflect the complexity and
variability of human mental health.
P- Lastly, one strength of deviation from ideal mental health is that it has temporal validity.
E- The criteria can be applied consistently across different time periods and cultures to assess
mental health.
E- This allows clinicians and researchers to identify abnormality reliably regardless of historical
om
or cultural context.
L- Thus, this definition is valid in terms of its applicability over time, making it a useful
framework for understanding and evaluating abnormal behaviour.
l.c
Describe and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias. (16)
AO1
S- The behavioural approach explains phobias through Mowrer’s two process model.
ai
E- This states that phobias are learned, first acquired through classical conditioning, then
upkept through operant conditioning
gm
AO1
S- Classical conditioning is learning through association.
E- This occurs when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a stimulus which naturally
@
produces a reaction/behaviour, in the case of phobias, when a neutral stimulus such as a dog,
produces a reaction of fear, and those become a conditioned stimulus and response, creating a
phobia.
72
AO1
S- Operant conditioning is learning through consequences.
ct
E- According to operant conditioning, phobias can be negatively reinforced. This is where a
behaviour is strengthened, because an unpleasant consequence is removed. For example, if a
so
person with a phobia of dogs sees a dog whilst out walking, they might try to avoid the dog by
crossing over the road.
tu
P- One strength of the two-process model is that it has real world application.
E- The model is useful in the development of therapies such as flooding and systematic
lo
desensitisation.
E- This is because it explains that in order to overcome a phobia, the person must be exposed
to the feared stimulus, allowing them to unlearn the anxiety response.
L- This has led to effective treatments for phobias, demonstrating the practical value of the
model and strengthening the credibility of the behavioural explanation.
P- However, a weakness of the behavioural approach is that not all bad experiences lead to
phobias.
distribution, or sharing without explicit written permission is strictly prohibited.
Detailed 16 marker plans for Psychopathology (Paper 1)
Describe and evaluate two definitions of abnormality. (16)
AO1
P- One definition of abnormality is statistical infrequency.
E- This defines abnormality when a behaviour is very rare and not often seen among
populations, an example of this is IQ scores
om
E- It is usually displayed on a bell curve graph, with abnormal behaviour on either far end of the
curve, toward the last standard deviations.
L- Thus, according to this definition, abnormality is based on rare, uncommon behaviour
l.c
AO1
P- Another definition of abnormality is deviation from ideal mental health.
ai
E- Jahoda 1958 created a criteria for assessing mental health, this includes autonomy,
environmental mastery, and resistance to stress among others.
E- This means that if one does not meet the criteria for ideal mental health, they are classed as
gm
abnormal and likely will get a diagnosis as they deviate from norms
L- Therefore, this suggests abnormality has to do with one’s mental wellbeing.
@
P- One weakness of statistical infrequency is that it fails to consider the desirability of certain
uncommon traits.
E- Some rare behaviours are not necessarily abnormal, but may instead be positive or
72
desirable, such as exceptionally high intelligence.
E- This means statistical infrequency could incorrectly classify rare but beneficial behaviours as
abnormal, potentially leading to misleading or inappropriate diagnoses.
ct
L- Therefore, this definition is reductionist, as it does not consider the context or desirability of
behaviours, which limits its validity in identifying abnormality.
so
P- However, a strength of statistical infrequency is that it is quantifiable.
E- Because it relies on numerical data and statistical analysis, behaviours can be measured
tu
and compared objectively.
E- This allows researchers and clinicians to analyse patterns, interpret results, and make
lo
evidence-based decisions about abnormality.
L- Therefore, this definition’s validity is supported by its measurable and objective nature,
making it a convenient and reliable method for identifying certain types of abnormal behaviour.
P- Moreover, one weakness of deviation from ideal mental health is that it puts pressure on
individuals.
E- Jahoda’s criteria, while conceptually thorough, set standards that are often unrealistic and
difficult for most people to meet completely.
E- This can lead to incorrect classifications, as failing to meet all criteria does not necessarily
,
These materials are the intellectual property of Lotus Mohammad and are for personal use only. Any reproduction,
distribution, or sharing without explicit written permission is strictly prohibited.
indicate abnormality, meaning individuals may be labelled abnormal unfairly.
L- Therefore, this definition lacks validity, as it does not accurately reflect the complexity and
variability of human mental health.
P- Lastly, one strength of deviation from ideal mental health is that it has temporal validity.
E- The criteria can be applied consistently across different time periods and cultures to assess
mental health.
E- This allows clinicians and researchers to identify abnormality reliably regardless of historical
om
or cultural context.
L- Thus, this definition is valid in terms of its applicability over time, making it a useful
framework for understanding and evaluating abnormal behaviour.
l.c
Describe and evaluate the behavioural approach to explaining phobias. (16)
AO1
S- The behavioural approach explains phobias through Mowrer’s two process model.
ai
E- This states that phobias are learned, first acquired through classical conditioning, then
upkept through operant conditioning
gm
AO1
S- Classical conditioning is learning through association.
E- This occurs when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a stimulus which naturally
@
produces a reaction/behaviour, in the case of phobias, when a neutral stimulus such as a dog,
produces a reaction of fear, and those become a conditioned stimulus and response, creating a
phobia.
72
AO1
S- Operant conditioning is learning through consequences.
ct
E- According to operant conditioning, phobias can be negatively reinforced. This is where a
behaviour is strengthened, because an unpleasant consequence is removed. For example, if a
so
person with a phobia of dogs sees a dog whilst out walking, they might try to avoid the dog by
crossing over the road.
tu
P- One strength of the two-process model is that it has real world application.
E- The model is useful in the development of therapies such as flooding and systematic
lo
desensitisation.
E- This is because it explains that in order to overcome a phobia, the person must be exposed
to the feared stimulus, allowing them to unlearn the anxiety response.
L- This has led to effective treatments for phobias, demonstrating the practical value of the
model and strengthening the credibility of the behavioural explanation.
P- However, a weakness of the behavioural approach is that not all bad experiences lead to
phobias.
